New Lash Fortifier Gets FDA Approval

Are you addicted to eyelash-enhancing conditioners? Soon, you'll have a new superpotent product to add to your arsenal: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration just approved Latisse, a new lash fortifier from Allergan, Inc. According to Allergan's official press release, it's "the first and only science-based treatment approved by the FDA to enhance eyelash prominence as measured by increases in length, thickness and darkness of eyelashes."

However, if you're looking to lavish your lashes with Latisse (available in the first quarter of 2009) you'll have to get a prescription from your doctor first, because it contains the active ingredient bimatoprost. Approved by the FDA in 2001, bimatoprost is also the active ingredient in Lumigan, another Allergan-produced product, which is an eyedrop treatment for glaucoma patients. The eyelash growth that Lumigan users experienced as a side effect was the basis for Allergan's development of Latisse.

The before and after images of a patient from Latisse's clinical study. "After" photo was taken after 16 weeks of treatment. Photo: courtesy of Allergan, Inc.

Though Latisse is applied in the same way as other existing lash products (it's brushed along the base of lashes with an applicator), the active bimatoprost ingredient is what distinguishes Latisse from non-prescription brands, says Heather Katt, Senior Manager of Corporate Communications at Allergan. "Unapproved eyelash products containing active drug ingredients have appeared on the market," Katt acknowledges. "But Latisse is a science-based treatment that contains an active ingredient and formulation approved by the FDA since 2001."

Seconds Scott Whitcup, M.D., Allergan's Executive Vice President of Research and Development, "Latisse was studied in well-controlled clinical trials, manufactured to pharmaceutical standards, and is appropriately labeled for use."

As with any prescription drug, however, certain precautionary measures should be taken: In addition to darkening lashes, Latisse may permanently darken the eyelid skin. Although not reported in clinical studies, Latisse may also leave permanent brown pigmentation in the colored part of the eye. Possible non-permanent side effects include eye redness, itchiness, and hair growth in areas outside your lash line that Latisse frequently touches (blotting with a tissue after application is essential). However, Allergan claims these conditions will go away once Latisse usage ceases.

The suggested retail price for Latisse is $120 for a 3mL bottle, which includes 60 single-use-per-eye disposable sterile applicators. The treatment is used once daily, and one prescription used as directed will last 30 days.

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